A radio presenter, Justice of Peace, police advisor and author, Parminder Singh ‘Papatoetoe’ skillfully manages several responsibilities.
The Kiwi-Indian has added another success to his name. He has become the first turbaned member of Ethnic Communities Advisory Panel for Auckland Council. The panel offers advice to the civic body based on its members’ experience on issues that are important to ethnic people, and advises the council on how to engage effectively with them.
Originally from Punjab, Singh moved to Sydney in 1998 and relocated to New Zealand in 2001 with his family. He spoke to The Indian Weekender about this new role, challenges and how he intends to make a difference in the ethnic communities.
Q1. How does it feel to be the first turbaned member of the panel?
It is such a privilege to be a part of this multicultural society. This is the real face of this diverse nation we call New Zealand. Sikhs arrived in this wonderful country about 1889, and we had a long history of struggle and establishment. I am trying to carry my grandfather’s legacy, who was a tank mechanic during World War II. He refused to wear a helmet instead of a turban.
Q2. How have you seen the Indian diaspora changing in NZ?
The numbers are growing, and honestly, we are not in the right proportion as think-tanks or policymakers in government agencies yet. But I hope every ethnic community will have a fair share in Aotearoa.
Q3 What do you think are the biggest challenges faced by ethnic communities, especially Kiwi-Indians?
Most of us are economic migrants. Even as a struggler, every single migrant tries his or her best to contribute to the NZ economy, but ram raids, youth crime, and living costs are dragging us backwards.
Q4. What has been your journey from India to New Zealand?
The family value system and overall environment of NZ attracted me during the year 2000. I had to cross barriers like any other migrant but always tended to devote my time to volunteer work for this diverse society. My family has been consistently around to back up my ability to get the job done.
Q5. In this new role, how will you make a difference to ethnic communities?
I will provide advice on our regional strategies, policies and plans. I have a deep understanding of South Asian cultural, religious, and social issues, as I am already been doing the same for a long time in NZ police advisory. Looking at the different sections of the Indian diaspora, this is about time to implement the real meaning of ‘inclusiveness’.
Q6. What are your plans for this role?
I will identify the issues that are important to people from ethnic cultures and will try to create awareness about ‘Have your Say’ whenever Auckland Council is looking for feedback on different projects and campaign. I plan to acknowledge different languages and heritages, and do my bit in maintaining a harmonious environment of Tamaki Makaurau.
Q7. How will your role as District Advisor to the Counties Manukau Police Commander help you in this new task?
I will incorporate the values we follow in NZ Police: Professionalism, respect, integrity, commitment to Maori and the treaty, empathy, and valuing diversity. As a learner, a New Zealander, a police advisor, and a follower of the Sikh religion, I believe in the following Maori proverb:
‘He aha te mea nui o te ao’
(What is the most important thing in the world?)
‘He tangata, he tangata, he tangata’
(It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.)